The maternity clinic will take various blood and urine samples to follow the mother’s overall situation. These are used to ensure the well-being of the mother and baby. The blood count (such as haemoglobin) and HbA1c are normally checked every four weeks. Urine samples are used to follow the level of protein in urine as well as to detect potential signs of urinary tract infection.
The baby’s growth and condition are monitored in different ways during pregnancy. CTG (cardiotocography) or the monitoring of the foetal heart rate, ultrasound scan and umbilical venous flow assessment are methods used to monitor the growth rate and well-being of the foetus as well as the functioning of the placenta. If the baby is exposed to high blood sugar, its growth rate is accelerated and its well-being is endangered. Diabetes may also cause insufficient growth.
Late in the pregnancy, the mother is taught how to regularly count the baby’s movements.
Amniotic fluid sample tests make it easier to ascertain if the baby is ready to come out in case it is necessary to artificially accelerate labour. Cortisone injections can be used to help the baby’s lungs mature to improve the baby’s birth preparedness if necessary. As cortisone causes a sharp increase in the need for insulin, intravenous insulin is normally included in the treatment in a hospital environment.